Peso Takes Hit After Ford Cancels Plant

The U.S. auto industry seems to be getting President-elect Donald Trump’s message loud and clear: Build your cars in the United States, or risk the consequences. Trump called out General Motors Company GM on Twitter Tuesday for the Chevy Cruze models it produces in Mexico.

“General Motors is sending Mexican made model of Chevy Cruze to U.S. car dealers-tax free across border. Make in U.S.A. or pay big border tax!” Trump tweeted.

On the same day, GM rival Ford Motor Company F seems to have caved to Trump’s threats and has cancelled the planned construction of a $1.6 billion factory in Mexico. Instead, the company plans to invest $700 million into one of its Michigan plants.

“This is a vote of confidence for President–elect Trump and some of the policies he may be pursuing,” Ford CEO Mark Fields said in a statement.

Ford also announced plans to launch a total of 13 new electric vehicle lines within the next five years.

GM Responds

A GM representative told Benzinga that Trump’s characterization of the role Mexico plays in its domestic Chevy Cruze production isn’t entirely fair.

“General Motors manufactures the Chevrolet Cruze sedan in Lordstown, Ohio. All Chevrolet Cruze sedans sold in the U.S. are built in GM’s assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio. GM builds the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for global markets in Mexico, with a small number sold in the U.S.,” the company said.

GM shares are up 0.7 percent on Tuesday, but Ford shares are surging higher by 3.3 percent.

The loss of the Ford plant and the potential for other U.S. companies to shy away from Mexican investments sent the peso plummeting on Tuesday morning as well.